It is not common for competing businesses to work in collaboration with each other. But if it could save you time, reduce your costs, and bring in more business, would you consider it? This is a question that shipping container transport operators are starting to ask themselves. As the industry embraces the benefits of digital processes and starts looking for new ways to reduce costs and disruptions in supply chains, there is an opportunity for transport businesses to adopt (and benefit from) more streamlined, strategic, and collaborative processes. Indeed, emerging technology is helping the container transport industry to drive more efficient empty container management and reduce the use of depots by offering digital container reuse (or container triangulation) as a viable alternative. However, it begs the question: is this alone sufficient? Transport operators continue to wear the cost of wasteful supply chains. Container triangulation, which is often synonymous with reusing import containers for export purposes, provides significant time and cost-saving advantages for companies that can reuse empty containers in their possession – reducing the frequent need to transit through depots. It’s a great alternative to depots, that many transport businesses are adopting. However, what if import containers don’t match their export needs? In this…
Transforming landside logistics: A case study on cost reduction and enhanced productivity with Maersk and MatchBox Exchange in Australia
For more than six years, Maersk and MatchBox Exchange have formed a successful partnership that spans multiple markets. It all began in Australia back in 2017, and since then, this collaboration has generated numerous benefits for transport companies, exporters, and importers alike. In this case study, we’ll explore how MatchBox Exchange’s platform for Exchanges and Re-Uses has significantly reduced costs and increased productivity in the Australian market. Exchanges – Western Australia (WA) Parties involved 1. Grain exporters 2. Transport companies 3. Maersk and MatchBox Exchange (MB) What is happening? Currently, we have shippers sourcing units directly from others in WA via the Exchange feature. This involves the following process: A) Export shippers (or their subcontracted transport company) make an Exchange post once they get an active release number.This then, informs others that this party is looking for X units by a specified date, dropped off to a specified location. B) Other transport companies needing to dehire these units will then offer, and subsequently, Exchange these units with the exporting party. This helps users leverage each other’s import and export mix to still cut out the empty depots in cases where they can’t make a Re-Use amongst their own business mix…
How can you grow without investing in more trucks?
Every transport company owner wishes to have their trucks running around the clock. But in reality – this is hard to achieve. Why? 1. It is difficult to find customers who will allow deliveries or pickups after-hours – many business owners find that to grow and secure new contracts, they need to invest in more trucks to service them. This is because the trucks they already have, are fully committed during normal day-time operating hours. An alternative is to subcontract the work to third parties, but this means giving away margin and control which is not ideal. 2. Empty container parks are often closed at night – so how would the transport operator return containers when the container depots are closed? 3. Drivers – Business owners have found the right customers, but they just can’t find the drivers. As far as the first two points are concerned, smart transport operators find customers that will provide night access and combine this with container re-use or exchange via the MB platform. This provides them with an instant approval, eliminating the need to engage with shipping lines that are closed. It also removes the need to return the container to the depot. It’s a great…
What makes customers stay loyal to a brand?
Customers are the foundation of any business. A company’s ability to attract and retain customers is crucial to its success. In this blogpost, we’ll explore the reasons behind loyalty to a company or a brand. We’ll also shed some light on why customers keep coming back to MatchBox Exchange (MB). So, why do customers stay? In one word: value. Customers want to feel like they’re getting something worth their money, whether it’s a product, a service, or good customer experience. They’ll stick with businesses that provide them with what they need. To stand out from the competition, they need to offer something of value or a unique selling proposition that their customers can’t find anywhere else. Customers are also more likely to continue doing business with a company where their needs are well looked after. Good customer service plays a big role in this. By offering a high level of support and assistance, responsiveness to customers’ needs, and quick and efficient resolution of issues – businesses can create loyal relationships that last for years. More often than not, customers also stay because of trust and familiarity. They will support a company that they know will provide quality products or services…